Saving Grace: Child trafficked and enslaved in New Zealand

An Aotearoa court case reveals the operations of a child trafficking network exploiting migrant children. Tamariki brought to Aotearoa under false pretenses have endured years of enslavement for domestic labour and sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, coercion and isolation. Authorities uncovered the ring through intercepted communications and NGO reports, leading to charges under the Crimes Act 1961. The case highlights systemic gaps in detecting cross-border trafficking. NZ Police and Immigration New Zealand urge stricter visa checks and public vigilance to combat modern slavery targeting vulnerable minors.